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CO2 and SO2 emissions from Chilean copper production were quantitatively evaluated using life-cycle assessment techniques, with inventories such as the fuel consumption of unit processes based on published papers. CO2 emissions were about 0.88 kg per kg pyrometallurgical Cu and 2.36 kg per kg hydrometallurgical Cu, with respective electricity consumption of 1.9 kWh and 3.0 kWh. Smelter-derived sulphuric acid is used for leaching, accounting for much of the variance in CO2 emissions accredited to the two processes. SO2 emissions are estimated as 0.19 kg per kg pyro- and 0.23 kg per kg hydrometallurgical Cu. The two process routes have a complementary relationship with regard to H2SO4. The burden to soil and water was not evaluated., CO2 and SO2 emissions from Chilean copper production were quantitatively evaluated using life-cycle assessment techniques, with inventories such as the fuel consumption of unit processes based on published papers. CO2 emissions were about 0.88 kg per kg pyrometallurgical Cu and 2.36 kg per kg hydrometallurgical Cu, with respective electricity consumption of 1.9 kWh and 3.0 kWh. Smelter-derived sulphuric acid is used for leaching, accounting for much of the variance in CO2 emissions accredited to the two processes. SO2 emissions are estimated as 0.19 kg per kg pyro- and 0.23 kg per kg hydrometallurgical Cu. The two process routes have a complementary relationship with regard to H2SO4. The burden to soil and water was not evaluated.